June 18 - Hits & Bricks

Due for release on June 28, 2024 is the compilation CD 'Hits'. More information when available. The Mani record label released a vinyl edition of this CD in 2021. 

Redevelopment and Restauration

After decades of indecision Kauai's Coco Palms Resort redevelopment has started. Coco Palms Resort was once host to celebrities such as Elvis, Rita Hayworth and Frank Sinatra - it featured in Elvis' movie Blue Hawaii, but never reopened after Hurricane Iniki struck the island in 1992.

Now, more than 30 years later, the property is being demolished — and revived.

The developer, Reef Capital Partners, has just announced a partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts.

The property is expected to reopen as Coco Palms, a Kimpton Resort (part of the IHG brand) in 2026.

The resort will have 350 units spread across three low-rise hotel structures and cottages. Amenities will include three outdoor pools, a spa, rooftop bar, pool bar, shoreline restaurant, and 15-acre coconut grove.

The resort’s location is culturally significant for native Hawaiians, and developers plan to preserve historical features and build an on-site cultural center and museum honoring Kauai, with exhibits, lectures, and activities to educate both visitors and residents.

Meditation Garden 

 

The restoration of the wall in the Meditation Garden on the Graceland domain started in May. The work is currently still in full swing. The entire area is fenced off with a wooden construction, so that none of the work is visible from the front of the wall. At the rear of the wall you can clearly see that the wall is being completely propped up, which is no surprise as we could see for years that the wall was starting to lean backwards.

The restoration has proven to be highly necessary. Last summer, during a visit by ElvisMatters together with our travelers, it became clear that the wall had significant cracks and was sinking. Provisional struts at the rear had already been installed at the time.

The wall is in a sloping arc around the place where Elvis is buried and features characteristic stained glass windows. These windows give the wall a unique look and contribute to the serene atmosphere of the Meditation Garden.

It is currently unknown how long the work will take. We will keep you informed of the progress and further updates about the restoration.

(Source: Pascal Matteo / Elvis Club Berlin / ElvisMatters)